The Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon is joining up with members of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Association and other local enthusiasts to host a unique event.

The 'Antiques Railshow' forms part of the North Devon Rail 150 celebrations of a century and a half of North Devon Railways.

The event, on Saturday 24th January, will provide an opportunity for members of the public to find out more about any railway-related objects, memorabilia or documents they might have. Turn up in the afternoon between 1.00 and 5.00 pm and you will be met by a team of railway experts and enthusiasts, all waiting to identify your railway memorabilia and offer advice on where to obtain valuations or further information.

Any items relating to local railways will be welcome. You can bring along anything from a postcard to a station sign; all will be inspected with equal enthusiasm. Alison Mills, from the museum, said: 'We're right in the middle of trying to find out as much as we can about how the railways affected people's lives in North Devon. We're particularly keen to meet anyone who worked on the railways, or who has interesting stories about a particular trip or event.'

The team are currently working together on a major exhibition to take place during April and May, and hope to include any particularly interesting items in the display. This is a bumper year for railway anniversaries - the 200th anniversary of Trevithick's first locomotive will be celebrated at the Railfest in York in May as well as North Devon's Rail 150, which includes festivities recreating the opening of the line in July and railway-themed events during the Festival in June.

If you are interested and want more information about the Antiques Railshow event please contact the museum staff on 01271 346747. The museum is open TuesdaysMonday-Saturdays 9:3010am-5:004.30pm (closed back holidays). Admission is free

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